Area Opinions

U.S. warriors deserving of full dignity

It’s amazing how some incidents become worldwide sensations while others — which seem equally outrageous — get pushed to the back of the shelf.

Such is the case of the disposal of remains of nearly 300 service personnel.

At issue is an investigation into shocking reports of remains of personnel being cremated and dumped into landfills.

The incidents allegedly occurred at Dover Air Force Base, Del., which receives the remains of service personnel killed in action. The military looked into the allegations and confirmed their veracity.

But what happened to the perpetrators of this mismanagement?

They apparently received slaps on the wrist.

Some were written up; others were reassigned to other posts.

Where is the outrage, the condemnation, the call for serious reform of the process that enabled these incidents to occur?

The investigation revealed that between 2003 and 2008, the cremation involved the partial remains of fallen heroes.

The remains were disposed of without the consent of family members.

The Air Force noted the nature of the weapons used in Iraq and Afghanistan — such as improved explosive devices, roadside bombs and rocket-propelled grenades — do tremendous damage to the victims’ bodies. They often cannot be identified immediately.

Is that reason to treat these remains as if they are pieces of trash?

No, not ever.

The tepid response from the Air Force doesn’t rise to the level of the incidents themselves. But it comes close.

The shameful treatment of these remains deserves stout punishment of those who did the deed.

Is there a positive outcome?

Since 2008, the military has been treating these remains with the dignity they deserve.

That demonstration of respect, however, doesn’t erase the disgraceful actions of those who are charged with receiving the remains of our fallen heroes.